Both the Delta-7 and the Alpha-3 models were designed by the engineer Walex Blissex, who would later co-design the Rebel Alliance's A-wing fighter with Jan Dodonna. The V-wing had wing mounted laser cannons and had a wedge shape. The V-wings also featured folding wing radiators similar to those fitted on the later Eta-2 interceptors. But when landing, the wings fold downward to form as landing gear. Nestled between each wing and the hull were two twin laser cannons, which could swivel on the vessel's wing hubs to provide a wide range of fire.[7]

Aft of the starfighter's main hull were two deflector shield heat sinks, located above the two vertically stacked ion drive thrusters. These flaps also provided some protection for the V-wing's clone pilot.[7]

V-wing cross-section.

In keeping with the design of the Delta-7, the Alpha-3 featured an astromech droidsocket aft of the oval cockpit. V-wing pilots were often assisted by spherical Q7-series astromech droids which provided in-flight navigation and maintenance skills that would otherwise require a copilot—which the compact V-wing could not accommodate.[7] However, later incarnations of the V-wing used by the Galactic Empire omitted the astromech, with the pilot as the only occupant.[9]

As the V-wing starfighter was too small to feature an integrated hyperdrive, it required a transportation into combat zones by carriers such as the Venator-class Star Destroyer. Each carried 192 V-wing fighters. V-wing fighters were also capable of using a Syluire-45 hyperspace transport ring to go long distance without a carrier vessel.

The clone troopers who flew the fighter had specially adapted helmets. These helmets, along with their flight suits, were fully sealed due to the lack of a life support system.

V-wing fighters were often unleashed from warship hangars in large swarms, and were one of the most numerous starfighters in the Republic Navy late in the Clone Wars. While they lacked the power of the ARC-170 starfighter, they made up for it in raw speed and agility. There were produced in limited numbers until 19 BBY.

In the early stages of the New Order, new V-wing models were commissioned. These craft featured Imperial livery and lacked an astromech droid.[9]

At least two V-wings were obtained by members of the Bellassan resistance that sprang up months after Palpatine became Emperor. These V-wings harassed an Imperial ship which Darth Vader himself was on. However, the V-wings were eventually destroyed.

Rob Coleman originally considered showing TIE Fighters at the end of Revenge of the Sith, but Lucas decided to show V-wing starfighters instead, pointing out that the Empire would have nineteen years to build TIEs. As a reference to TIE fighters, however, they have very similar engine sounds, as can be heard towards the end of the film when two V-wings escorting Palpatine's shuttle fly to his medical center, or when several pairs of V-wings are seen patrolling the area where construction of the Death Star is beginning.

V-wing concept art.

In the games Star Wars: Battlefront II and Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, the V-wing is depicted as a heavy bomber with shock cannons and proton bombs rather than the fast interceptor craft that it has been established as in other sources. Although this portrayal of the ship is likely considered non-canon, it was done regardless as the fighter and interceptor roles for the Republic faction were already filled, leaving the V-wing to take on the bomber ship class. Surprisingly, the ARC-170, which has a role of bomber in other sources, does not have that same role in Battlefront II—it is given the multi-purpose fighter role, likely for the purpose of creating continuity with its better-known descendant.

The V-wing was also a ship in which players of the now closed MMO Star Wars Galaxies could fly as their personal ship. However, it was a very rare ship as it was only available as a loot card in the Squadrons Over Corellia trading card game booster packs. Due to the rarity of this ship in Star Wars Galaxies it was highly sought after by pilots who actively took part in player versus player content in space.

The LEGO set "6205 V-Wing Fighter" was released in 2005 as part of the Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith line. It included a clone pilot and Q7-series astromech droid Minifigures. In the newer line of LEGO Star Wars products in January of 2011, a new set called the "7915 Imperial V-Wing Starfighter" was released. This set includes a black version of the V-wing fighter, and Imperial Pilot and R2-Q2 minifigures. Another LEGO release of the Republic V-wing came out in January 2014, with a clone pilot and an unnamed astromech droid as Minifigures included in the set.